THE Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8) is a programme to encourage sustained economic growth by achieving higher levels of productivity through technological innovation. The goal is to achieve full and productive employment for all by 2030.

At a recent forum on SDG 8, the core area of discussion was the importance of education in empowering the labour force. This is crucial as the future of a country’s growth and competitiveness in the long term depends on continuous learning.

Aside from the integration of academic training with apprenticeship, digital training and infrastructure, as well as entrepreneurship training were also emphasised. These are skills that are helpful towards building a well-grounded and knowledgeable workforce. 

The technological innovation that is taking place requires a re-evaluation of the current education curriculum, so that it could meet the needs of a technologically-driven economy. This would require the government, employers, unions, and employees to work together to create the right working conditions. 

A Swiss representative at the forum spoke about the dual education system in Switzerland, where students work three days in a week as an apprentice, and spend two days in a week at school. Switzerland’s success in having a GDP of more than USD60,000 (RM252,570.00) per capita is attributable to its focus on education.

Meanwhile, the Swedish representative spoke about how a constructive relationship between employers and employees’ organisations has brought about success to the nation.

The Bangladeshi representative spoke about the serious need to identify professions that would be severely affected by technology, so that an appropriate curriculum could be formulated.

In my presentation, I spoke about the realities of the low-cost labour structure in the Malaysian market and the necessity to offer certification to people who work in lower levels of organisations. 

In order for Malaysia to progress, it has to create the environment for human capital to flourish by respecting fundamental international labour conventions. Access to technology should also be equally available to residents of all states, instead of limiting it to urban areas.

Therefore, it is time for Malaysia to have a serious debate about SDG 8 as we confront the Covid- 19 pandemic and chart out the policies for a post Covid-19 era.

We need to create conditions for human capital development, such as embracing digital technology, recreating our educational curriculum, creating a structure of solidarity to reskill and upskill workers, as well as strengthening labour rights. It is therefore vital to have a coherent strategy to improve human capital and labour rights among all stakeholders. – July 17, 2021.

* Ronald Benjamin reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.